By Onozure Dania

Lagos—Two security guards, Erikan Asugwo, Attaboh Gideon, and a housekeeper, Paul Ioropuu, who allegedly broke into their employer’s apartment through a window and stole hand bags and shoes valued at N4.5 million, were yesterday brought before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Igbosere.

Asugwo, 23; Gideon, 23, and Ioropuu, 25, are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, theft and burglary.

They were arraigned before Magistrate A. M. Davies.

The crime

The prosecutor, Inspector Ruben Solomon, told the court that the defendants committed the offences, with others still at large, between May 19, 2017 and July 9, 2018, at 4a.m. and 11:30p.m., respectively, at Westron Close, Lekki Phase 1, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Solomon said: “The trio conspired amongst themselves and entered the apartment of their employer, Joyce Udensi through the window.

“They stole eight lady’s hand bags and four lady’s shoes valued N4.5 million, all property of the complainant.”

He also alleged that Erika and Gideon as security guards failed to use any reasonable means to prevent the burglary.

The law

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed are punishable under Sections 411, 308 and 287 (7), of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Davies granted them bail in the sum of N250,000 each and two sureties each in like sum.

She said the sureties must be gainfully employed, show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government and have their addresses verified.

The case was then adjourned till August 20 for trial.